Egypt’s Aviation Minister Advocates for Air Transport System Development to Boost Tourism

A meeting overview.

Dr. Samah Hefni, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, participated in a meeting of the Tourism and Aviation Committee of the House of Representatives, chaired by Representative Sahar Talaat Mustafa. The meeting included committee members such as deputies Amr Darwish and Hisham Hussein, as well as Secretary Ahmed Al-Ashmouni, along with officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and heads of private and low-cost airlines operating in Egypt. The discussions focused on ways to support the aviation sector and enhance its role in boosting tourism.

The meeting addressed strategies to assist private and low-cost airlines in expanding their operational networks and opening new routes. This initiative aims to improve air connectivity and provide diverse travel options at competitive prices, while enhancing the airlines’ ability to compete regionally and internationally, thus increasing tourist traffic to Egypt’s attractions.

Minister Hefni emphasized that the ministry is committed to developing a more efficient air transport system that diversifies carriers and expands operational bases to meet the growing demand for travel and support tourism development plans. He noted that private and low-cost airlines complement the national carrier by opening new markets and increasing connections with regional and international destinations.

He highlighted EgyptAir’s international expansion efforts, including launching a Cairo-Los Angeles route in May and a Cairo-Chicago route set for June 2026. Additionally, he praised Air Cairo as a successful model in low-cost aviation for expanding operational networks.

Hefni mentioned that an exceptional incentive package for summer 2026 was implemented following a Cabinet decision aimed at supporting airlines in the Egyptian market. This initiative encourages increased flight operations and seat capacities to tourist destinations in Egypt, thereby enhancing air traffic flow and supporting the tourism sector.

The minister described this package as a significant step towards enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian tourist destinations through operational incentives that alleviate burdens on airlines while encouraging them to expand flights, particularly to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada airports during the summer season.

He added that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Civil Aviation Authority, and all relevant entities to ensure operational targets are met while increasing growth rates in air traffic to support tourism revitalization plans.

Moreover, Hefni pointed out that fuel prices account for about 40% of operating costs in aviation. He emphasized that aviation is one of the most sensitive industries with profit margins ranging between 2% and 4%. He noted that global increases in fuel prices due to international tensions, including US-Iranian conflicts, have impacted operating costs worldwide.

The government is moving towards localizing industries related to clean energy while reducing reliance on traditional fuels. Hefni highlighted that environmental sustainability has become a priority for global aviation amid efforts to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

The minister expressed his sincere gratitude to Representative Sahar Talaat Mustafa, committee members, and all participants for their efforts in addressing challenges faced by both the aviation and tourism sectors while enhancing institutional cooperation for national economic benefit.

In response, Representative Sahar Talaat Mustafa affirmed that the committee aims to find fundamental solutions to challenges faced by private airlines and low-cost carriers so they can expand their operations competitively. She stressed the importance of supporting government objectives in revitalizing tourism traffic and attracting more visitors to Egypt while developing a comprehensive vision for supporting private aviation sectors.

She added that these meetings are part of a series held previously with private airline companies where key challenges were discussed, leading to actionable solutions being developed.

Among the significant challenges raised during discussions was the disparity in fuel prices between certain airports, which increases operational costs affecting ticket prices and competitiveness. Additionally, concerns about operational access at vital airports like Sphinx Airport were addressed.

Sahar Talaat Mustafa emphasized that tourism is one of Egypt’s most crucial sources of foreign currency; thus it requires flexible policies and incentives aligned with market changes and current geopolitical conditions to ensure continued tourist inflow.

Participants from private airline companies expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support from both the Tourism Committee of Parliament and Minister Hefni regarding discussions on challenges facing their sector while working towards practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and expansion plans.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintaining coordination among all parties involved in supporting air transport industry development as well as its role in bolstering national economy through tourism growth in upcoming phases.